#USA #pet food #OAK CREEK #Stella & Chewy's #Jay Thompson

Stella & Chewy's Welcomes Jay Thompson as CEO

In an exciting development for pet lovers and industry enthusiasts alike, Stella & Chewy's, the leader in freeze-dried raw pet food, has appointed Jay Thompson as its new Chief Executive Officer. Based in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, the company has built its reputation on the commitment to providing high-quality nutrition for pets since its inception in 2003. Thompson's appointment marks a significant moment as the brand aims to further innovate and expand its footprint in the natural pet food market.

Thompson, who previously served in executive roles at notable companies like Generous Brands, Utz Quality Foods, Chobani, and PepsiCo, brings a robust background in strategic growth and financial management. His diverse experience in scaling beloved consumer brands aligns seamlessly with Stella & Chewy's mission to ensure that pet parents can provide their furry friends with healthier, happier lives through superior nutrition.

According to Ken Fox, the Chairman of Stella & Chewy's Board, the company is thrilled to welcome Thompson into the fold. He expressed confidence that Thompson's impressive background would be pivotal in driving Stella & Chewy's forward as it enters a new phase of growth. Fox noted, “Jay’s expertise in building and scaling beloved consumer brands will be instrumental in helping us meet our mission.”

Prior to Thompson's leadership, Marie Moody, the company’s founder, took on the role of interim CEO in 2024. During her tenure, she focused on strengthening the leadership team and realigning company priorities — all while remaining committed to the company's original vision inspiring consumers through high-quality pet nutrition. She emphasized the importance of having the right people in place, stating, “In this next chapter, it was important to ensure we had the right team in place—leaders with talent, passion, and shared values.” With Thompson now at the helm, Moody expressed confidence that the company can reach new heights.

As Thompson steps into his new role, his focus will be on driving the core mission of providing premium, natural pet food. He stated, “Stella & Chewy's represents a unique opportunity to lead a brand that has set the standard for quality and innovation in the pet food sector. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in improving the health and nutrition of pets everywhere.”

Thompson’s previous experience as Chief Financial Officer at Generous Brands allows him to harness financial insights to broaden Stella & Chewy's strategic agenda and navigate its growth trajectory better. His leadership roles at Chobani and PepsiCo have equipped him with insights into consumer behavior and operational scalability, which will undoubtedly influence Stella & Chewy's approach moving forward.

Under his guidance, the company plans not only to enhance its product offerings but also to deepen connections with loyal customers and expand into new retail channels. This initiative aims to make premium, natural pet food accessible to a broader audience. In fact, recent expansions into new markets suggest a proactive approach to increasing household penetration, ensuring that more pet families can enjoy the benefits of Stella & Chewy’s offerings.

In conclusion, as Stella & Chewy’s ushers in this exciting new chapter under Jay Thompson's leadership, the anticipation for innovative solutions and enhanced product offerings is palpable. With a focus on providing the utmost care for pets through ingredients that promote their health, the brand is well-positioned to continue leading the way in the raw pet food industry. For pet owners seeking to improve their pets' nutrition, Stella & Chewy's remains dedicated to delivering nutritious, delicious options that make a positive impact on pet health and well-being.

For more information about Stella & Chewy's and its delightful array of pet food options, pet parents can visit stellaandchewys.com.